How would you react to an E2 who "smart mouths" you in formation?

you will follow the orders given to you by and any NCO of Officer as long as it isn't an Unlawful order.

I never had this happen but I wish it did.

He would fall out of formation, send him to his quarters and inform him you will send for him when he has completed his duties. I would then discuss it with Top and get his input. Sounds like a good opportunity to put someone on KP for a week or Guard Duty. The second time, Art 15, period.

As an officer combat hardened, this soldier and I would have a "come to Jesus" moment in my office with the 1st Sgt present. If he didn't get his head screwed on there, the last act of defiance would be as the MP's were carrying him to the stockade.

By this time, knot-head should have a clue as to how things work. It's obvious, at least to me, that he is an example waiting to be used. I would ask him one time; "Are you sure that's what you want?" If he backs down you have some latitude. If he doesn't, throw the biggest list of book charges you can compile at him and push it hard and fast. Don't give him the opportunity to recant or weasel out. I know it's harsh, but more and more of these entitled brats are coming of age. Making a show of disciplinary fury might help prevent others from doing this kind of stupid stunt. In 1977 a friend of mine actually told the chief that he was going on strike until he received an admin discharge. The Chief wasted no time having him up on Art. 15 and he received 3 days bread and water. When he came out the chief informed him that the 3 days didn't count towards the completion of his enlistment and it didn't bother him at all to send him back as many times as it took. Or he could get his stuff together, get to work, and pursue an admin discharge through proper channels with no repercussions. Not only did James get his stuff together, he became an exemplary sailor who actually reenlisted shortly before I got out. I should point out though, when James said he was going on strike it wasn't done in front of the whole unit where it became a public challenge to authority.

The way I handled it in 1960 as a SGT E-5 was to dismiss all but PVT Smartmouth, escorted his young ass to the First Seargeant, promptly filled out charges for disrespect to an NCO. PVT Smartmouth was given a Summary Courts Martial, reduced to PVT E-1, forfeited all pay and allowances, and placed in confinement for 90 days. He became a model soldier after completing his sentence. Within 18 months afterward his confinement, he attained the grade of E-5.

Look that troop eye to eye and say "Front leaning rest, execute."

As a former private, I feel the need to pitch in here. I'm going to be blunt, so you might not want to read any further lol. For one, there's no such thing as a "senior E5" that alone is off-putting (also known as "power tripping") and if you display this attitude to your subordinates it's no wonder you're having problems. I went from E2 to CPL in less than a year because it times of war the military seeks out the best leaders. First thing is to get to know your soldiers well. His first impression of you is you're not a leader worth following. Punishing him won't change his mind. You're going to be accused of abuse at some point if you think hazing him day in and day out will work. They've been hazed up to that point by drill sergeants and it obviously did nothing to correct the problem. So on being a leader, you need to seek first to understand than be understood. Is this soldier being treated like shit day in and out under your leadership causing him to loose faith in your ability to lead? That's usually the situation. If you treat him like a dog, be prepared to get bit. Now, how to change it is the answer you're looking for. Hold a weekend picnic at the lake, we did this all the time. Let the families meet, the kids run and learn who your soldiers are when the uniform comes off. And for GOD SAKE don't "pull rank" at the picnic! You will realize that this soldier is a human being, talented and capable of behaving when he isn't under constant orders from superiors. He can relax, breathe and you can sit down with a beer and Barbee Q with a cold one or whatever as you talk life over and figure out what he wants for his future and how you as his sergeant can help lead him there. I had a soldier, totally out of control and had popped positive for crystal Meth. It turns out his wife was divorcing him. We put him through rehab and counseling. Another soldier having a mental health crisis, we let him go to counseling, all back when a 'personality discharge' was the norm. These guys ended up being great soldiers. Your soldiers have been through alot and their tired of people telling them how to breathe. Hold an outing, figure out who this person (not soldier) is and he will respect you and trust your leadership because you're the only one who sees him as a human being and respects him as such. After that if you still have problems, it goes on paper.

This is the second time a question of this nature has been asked. So here goes. An E2 with less than simple intelligence tells you off ans blantantly refuses to do his assigned duty. Respondence #1. Remind him of his place in the pecking order of the military, he gets assigned to do a duty. Since he feels and voices his disrespect to you in no uncertain terms. Remind him he will do his assigned task in a polite manner. If he refuses again, take him over to the platoon/flight sgt and repeat the E2s assigned task in front of the platoon/flight sgt. Then inform said E2 that he will report for further duties after normal duty day is complete, for additional duty (ie, cleaning the latrines in the barracks, guard duty, etc.). If he refuses again, write him/her up and refer him/her to the company/squadron first sgt. Recommend that this individual be placed on extra duty of the first sgts preferance. Responce #2. Escort the E2 behind a seculded area and kick the crap out of him/her for insubordination and inform the first sgt that he slipped on a bar of soap.

Well in the "old " army... prior to 2000, i would definitely have this private push up "sea level". Probably would be conselling statement and NJP. Probably buff floors for a week, cut grass, wash windshields in the motorpool, paint parking lines or it being winter snow shovel voluntold